www.mifflinave.org

412-731-2511

905 Mifflin Ave

Pastor: Rev. Kelly Smith

Pastor@mifflinave.org

214-202-9291

*Those that are able are invited to stand

-Gathering into worship-

Welcome

Introit “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” Choir

*Call to Worship

One: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel!
All: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
One: For God is with us, smiling upon us with love.
All: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
One: For Christ has saved us from our enemies, our sins, and our fears.
All: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
One: For God's Spirit shines upon us, giving light for our darkness.
All: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel!
One: Let us worship God together.

*Opening Hymn “Blessed Be the God of Israel” #209

*Opening Prayer

Announcements

Lighting the Advent Candle Larry & Kim Viehland

-Offering our prayers-

You are invited to share your prayer concerns by writing them on the Prayer Request cards and placing them in the offering plate.

Call to Confession: Malachi 3:1-2

Prayer of Confession:

We come before you, Mighty God, asking forgiveness and cleansing for our lives that are rough and unfinished. Cleanse us, purify us, give us your gentle love, your pure peace, and your shining hope. Let the offering of our lives be beautiful and unhindered. Let our hearts be steadfast and sure as we face the future, knowing that the future is yours and held in your kind and loving hands. Amen.

Words of Assurance:

The Psalmist proclaims: "Blessed be the God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us."
"Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more."
"Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more."

Prayer Hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #211

Silent Prayer / Pastoral Prayer / Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

-BECOMING THE CHURCH THROUGH WORD-

Children’s Sermon

Scripture Luke 3:1-6

Message Refine Rev. Kelly J. Smith

-Responding to God’s Word-

Offering Our Gifts and Tithes

*Doxology

*Offering Prayer

*Closing Song “Prepare the Way of the Lord” #207

in The United Methodist Hymnal

*Benediction

Everyone is invited to join us for Lunch and Carols Around the Table

in the John Wesley room.

Current Prayer Needs:

Alfred Crocker (Cathleen’s dad) – blood clots and aneurysm

Shirley Crocker (Cathleen’s mom) – Alzheimer’s

Brian Viehland – infection/surgery from wound due to motorcycle accident

Monique Viehland (Brian’s wife) – treatable blood cancer

Donna (Monique’s mother) – awaits a kidney donor for transplant

Ruth (Kilgour’s friend) – surgery

Richard — health struggles, sleep issues and finances

Marion (Richard’s aunt) – needs healing

Lynn (Carolyn and Marilyn’s sister) and her husband – he is suffering from dementia

Jane Glidden – ongoing health struggles

Sherrie Richards (friend of Barbara Thaw’s) – breast cancer

Ed Scott (friend of Ginnie’s) - multitude of health issues

Sue Clapper - breast cancer treatment

December 9, 2018